Project Information

Project Description

Barranquilla, the 4th most populous city in Colombia is undergoing rapid growth, mostly in the form of urban sprawl. To best guide the rapid development a comprehensive analysis and projected simulation of future urban development was realized. An urban growth scenario analysis was created in which “trend” and “smart growth” scenarios were used to examine future development patterns. Under the trend scenario, the urban area is expected to grow beyond its city limits. Using “smart growth” modeling however, the study demonstrated how officials in the city could use existing infrastructure and a network of green spaces to create a more compact vision of urban growth that was better apt at handling extreme weather event hazards while also providing its residents with more open space. Additionally, the project aided officials in understanding that the “trend” scenario was the least economically viable option due to extra infrastructure costs associated with providing services to population forced out into the periphery.

The necessity to create long-lasting objectives addressing inequality is emphasized throughout the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, known as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This implies that income growth is not the only important measure for this goal. The roles of infrastructure, wage, social protection policies, and opportunities are noted as key contributors to this goal of increased equality. By measuring and quantifying inequality in GeoAdaptive, we understand how well programs or policies promote social justice and how these strategies might be supported by accessibility to infrastructure to reduce inequality and improve social development.